 | Polk County Master GardenersIowa State University Extension and Outreach in Polk County |
Pathway to our future
After nearly thirty years at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, our Discovery Garden was in need of renovation. Our proudest accomplishment is a hardscape pathway, which provides easier and safer access to those with disabilities and assists in nutrient load reductions to water resources. Other renovation phases include: a gazebo and shade structure upgrade, hardscape edging around our perennial bed garden, educational signage, along with project funding partners and donor signage, and new perimeter fencing. An urban conservation project continues in our Native Perennial garden where we introduced rain garden plant materials to further reduce our nutrient load and runoff. The significance and value of this renovation project is the unique opportunity to educate tens of thousands of people on new ways to manage rainfall, reduce runoff and pollutant delivery to receiving waters with permeable pavement and how the home gardener may adopt this practice. The pathway materials offer an opportunity to educate the home gardener on how to use recyclable and plant- based materials for their pathways. |  |
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WHAT IS PERVIOUS PAVING
Pervious paving allows water to infiltrate into layers of crushed stone below the paving and then into the soil and groundwater below. By infiltrating most of the storm water on-site, the amount of water and pollution flowing into storm sewers and directly to rivers and streams is greatly reduced. This, in turn, protects water quality, maintains more stable base flows to streams, reduces flood peaks and reduces stream bank erosion. With infiltration, groundwater is recharged and streams are replenished with cool, clean groundwater in a more natural way. Pervious paving:
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 | CONSERVING RESOURCES AND EDUCATION The environmentally friendly pervious paving in our pathway allows rainwater infiltration onto stable and firmly fixed surfaces. Rainwater is absorbed quickly and can seep directly into the ground or be redirected into a drainage facility (e.g. canal, retention basin, or rain water storage vessel). It also absorbs hydrocarbons such as engine and gear oil and fuel residues. The risk of freeze-thaw damage and the need to repair cracks and replace wear is greatly reduced when compared to conventional pavements. Our Native Perennial garden bed features rain garden plant materials which further reduce our nutrient load and runoff. Many native plants work best in a rain garden and seedlings are easier to establish than direct-sown seed so you don't have to worry about the seed washing away. For that reason, native plant plugs work better than seeds. The Discovery Garden used native grasses and sedges in the Native Perennial bed garden because those plants possess extremely deep root systems. |
In addition to rain garden plant materials, you will see attractive plantings throughout the Discovery Garden which promote and increase pollinators and beneficial insects in our garden beds. The beneficial insects, also known as the “good bugs”, perform valued services like pollination and pest control. To attract the “good bugs”, you may want to plant a row or border of fennel, calendula, coriander, dill, and cosmos which are all considered good plants for attracting beneficial insects.
A SINCERE THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS The Discovery Garden at the Iowa State Fairgrounds’ Renovation Project would not be possible without these generous contributors. Project funders and donors are recognized on permanent, on-site signage at the Discovery Garden, and the Discovery Garden's Facebook page. Thanks to the generosity of these individuals, companies, corporations, organizations and foundations for making the Discovery Garden Pathway to the Future a success! Thank you! |
$10,000 and up Blue Ribbon Foundation Gabus Family Foundation Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Urban Conservation Grant Iowa State Fair Prairie Meadows | $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 Alliant Energy Foundation Board of Supervisors Polk County Robert Brownell, Angela Connolly, Tom Hockensmith, John F. Mauro, Steve Van Oort | $ 1,000 to $ 5,000 Anderson Erickson Dairy Des Moines East & South Chamber of Commerce Eric J. Faust Hy-Vee Corporation Iowa Farm Bureau Iowa Pork Producers Jean and Harvey Koch Metro Waste Authority Mid-American Energy Foundation Family of Paul and Margie Rosenberry West End Architectural Salvage Friends and Family of Michael Whitfield | Friends of the Discovery Garden Amy M. Alexander Elizabeth A. Alexander Association of Iowa Fairs, Inc. Bette and Elliot Bell Nancy and Frank Bodine Roddy and Dean Brand Mary Brown Mehalovich Sue Cornick Tracy L. Corsello Kathleen DeCarlo Lynn Ethington Gerry and Fredrick Fuller Katherine Howsare Jon Hrabe Hummel's Nissan Iowa Heart Foundation ISU Extension and Outreach Office-Polk County Kirke Financial Services-Wild Rose Entertainment William C. Knapp Charitable Foundation Meredith Corporation Foundation Stephanie McAdam Karen McGregor Christine K. Page Jean and Rudy Roe Jolene Runkel Patrick J. Schmitt RS Welding Studio, Artist Randy Schnebbe Jerry Swinton Marje and Nels Turnquist |